A shocking report of an assault has spread across social media, following accounts of a mother and her child being physically and verbally abused on a public bus in Havana. Witnesses described the incident as distressing, sparking outrage and concern among the online community.
Rocío Blanco, a user on the Facebook group "CUBAN MOTHERS FOR A BETTER WORLD," shared that the unsettling event took place around 10:20 a.m. on Saturday aboard the P9 bus route. Blanco recounted that the attacker, who appeared to be intoxicated, shoved the woman after she moved aside to avoid his inappropriate behavior.
Trying to protect herself and her child, the mother attempted to contact the police for help. Unfortunately, as she recounted, law enforcement never arrived, even as the bus continued its journey for several blocks from where the incident began.
"The man even threatened to throw her phone in her face while she was calling," Blanco noted. The assailant eventually left the bus after being confronted by other passengers. Blanco’s post included a video and a photo of the accused, who claimed to be a tour guide, raising concerns about his potential threat to unsuspecting tourists.
Public Outcry Over Inadequate Safety Measures
The incident has ignited significant anger online, reviving discussions about the lack of safety in public spaces, particularly for women and mothers facing vulnerable situations. "It's disheartening that amidst all the struggles we Cubans endure, especially mothers striving to feed their children, we also have to deal with such individuals," commented one user.
Criticism has also been directed at the lack of police response, highlighting perceived inefficiencies in handling emergencies involving violence in public transportation. "The PNR in Cuba is useless; they only show up when it suits them, a common occurrence in these times," remarked another commenter.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the police have apprehended the man or if any official response from the authorities has been issued regarding the incident.
Concerns About Public Transportation Safety in Cuba
What happened to the mother and child on the Havana bus?
They were physically and verbally assaulted by an intoxicated man who threatened the mother as she attempted to contact the police for help.
How did the public react to this incident?
The incident triggered widespread outrage, with many criticizing the lack of safety in public spaces and the inadequate police response.
Was the attacker identified?
Yes, the attacker was identified as someone who claimed to be a tour guide, raising concerns about his potential risk to tourists.